2. (+2) MC Mong (feat. Jang Geun Ee, B.I) – 인디언 보이 (Indian Boy)Score: 888Genre: Hip-hopMusic + Lyrics: MC MongAlbum: MC Mong Vol. 5 Track 2 Purchase this albumWatch:MVLive PerformanceComment:
MC Mong, the king of mainstream hip-hop, is coming back with his fifth
album Humanimal. The title song “Indian Boy” moves up 2 more spots to
No. 2 this week, maintaining his streak of top 5 songs from all his
album title tracks. Indian Boy is written by MC Mong himself and
featuring his good friend Jang Geun Ee and also B.I. The battle of No.
1 is very tight this week with all the top 4 songs with 30 points of
each other. Let see if this song can rise one more spot next week.

3. (-1) FT Island – 바래 (I Hope)Score: 879Genre: RockMusic: Kim Do Hoon, Kim Se Jin / Lyrics: Kim Do Hoon, Han Sung HoAlbum: FT Island Vol. 3 Track 2 Purchase this albumWatch:MVLive PerformanceComment:
Due to very strong competition, FT Island’s “I Hope” falls back a notch
to No. 3 this week. This song is from their newly released 3rd album
titled “Cross And Change”. Just like their title name states, FT Island
has come with a transformation as well as a crossover. If their
previous albums mainly consisted of rock ballads, this new one would
have more summery bright and cheerful songs. “I Hope” is of the
electronic rock crossover genre that has a strong melody as well as
rapping.

4. (+5) Kara – WannaScore: 878Genre: Pop / DanceMusic: Han Jae Ho + Kim Seung Soo / Lyrics: Song Soo YoonAlbum: Kara Vol. 2 Track 2 Purchase this albumWatch:MV (English subbed)Live PerformanceComment:
Already having 2 big hits “Pretty Girl” and “Honey” from their
mini-album earlier this year, Kara is coming back for more and
releasing their 2nd full studio album. The title track “Wanna” moves up
5 more spots to No. 4 this week and will be a challenger for the top
spot next week. “Wanna” was produced and composed by Han Jae Ho and Kim
Seung Soo, which is a pop dance track with a powerful beat and sound.
It also has a wonderful chorus that brings out a tense feeling. Kara is
showing a more mature image this time around.

5. (-4) 2NE1 – I Don’t CareScore: 862Genre: Hip-hop / R&B Music + Lyrics: Teddy + KushAlbum: 2NE1 1st mini-album Track 2 Purchase this albumWatch:MVLive PerformanceComment:
This is the title track of 2NE1′s first mini-album. It is a
medium-tempo R&B pop song with a gentle, reggae-style melody. It
was written by the main YG producer Teddy, who also wrote “Lollipop”
and “Fire,” and Skush of the reggae band Stony Skunk. The addictive
melody of this song is especially impressive. (credits to Arirang TV -
Pops In Seoul)

6. (+5) T-Ara – 거짓말 (Lie)Score: 719Genre: PopMusic: Cho Young Soo / Lyrics: Ahn Young MinAlbum: T-Ara digital single “Lie” Track 1Watch:MVLive PerformanceComment:
This year in k-pop we have seen perhaps the strongest competition ever
for debutant female groups. 2NE1, 4 minute, After School have already
made major impact to the scene, now a 4th female group is joining the
heated competition. They are 6-member group T-Ara. Their debut song
“Lies” moves up to the top 10 this week at No. 6. “Lie” was composed by
Korea’s famous composer Cho Young Soo, which is a very addicting song
that will keep people wanting for more. There are two versions of the
title song “Lies”, a dance version and a ballad version. The dance
version has a bokgo feel and electronic sound as oppose to the ballad
version which has more of an acoustic sound to it.

7. (-2) SNSD – 소원을 말해 봐 (Genie)Score: 680Genre: Pop / DanceMusic + Lyrics: Yoo Young JinAlbum: SNSD mini-album Vol. 2 Track 1 Purchase this albumWatch:MVLive PerformanceComment:
This is the title track of Girls’ Generation’s 2nd mini-album. It is a
trendy dance song that was written by the hit-makers Yoo Young-jin and
Yoo Han-jin and the songwriter team “Design Music,” which is famous in
the U.S. and Europe. Its dream-like prelude harmonizes well with its
cheerful chorus. The lyrics are about regaining courage and passion for
life. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

8. (-2) 4minute – Hot IssueScore: 605Genre: Pop / DanceMusic + Lyrics: Shin Sa Dong TigerAlbum: 4minute digital single “Hot Issue” Track 1Watch:MVLive PerformanceComment:
This is the title track of 4Minute’s debut single album. It is a “hook”
song with a funky rhythm of the 1980s and it stands apart from songs
with story-based lyrics. The musical interpretation of vivid colors
makes this song especially stylish. Its free-spirited melody and
rapping are very impressive. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

9. (-1) Cool – 보고 보고 (To Look To Look)Score: 534Genre: PopMusic: Yoon Il Sang / Lyrics: Lee Seung HoAlbum: Cool Vol. 11 Track 1 Purchase this albumWatch:MVLive PerformanceComment:
For many years, a summer in k-pop is not considered complete without a
hit song from Cool. 2009 is of no exception as the ageless trio is
coming back for their 11th album. The title song “To Look To Look”
becomes their latest top 10 hit. “To Look To Look” is a perfect song
for the season that has cute lyrics that will tickle listeners. The
Yoon Il Sang and Lee Seung Ho combo who also wrote their past hit, I
Want Love, composed this number.

10. (+5) 2PM – 네가 밉다 (I Hate You)Score: 405Genre: Pop / DanceMusic + Lyrics: Kim Chang DaeAlbum: 2PM single album “2:00PM Time For Change” Track 3 Purchase this albumWatch:MVLive PerformanceComment:
This song is included in 2PM’s single album “2:00PM Time For Change.”
It blends the soul groove and trendy two-step styles and features
autotune vocoder sounds, which are very popular in the U.S. The frank
lyrics are about the feelings of a man toward the woman he loves. This
song represents 2PM’s more mature charm. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops
In Seoul)

11. (+3) One Two – 별이 빛나는 밤에 (Starry Night)Score: 400Genre: Hip-hopMusic + Lyrics: Brave BrothersAlbum: One Two digital single “Starry Night” Track 1Watch:MVLive PerformanceComment:
This is the representative song for One Two’s second digital single
album. A dance song produced by the hitmaker Brave Brothers, it
features their unique synth sounds with funky disco rhythms. One Two’s
cool voices go well with the light melody, adding a sense of fun to its
cheerful rhythm. The music video stole the spotlight by showing off the
greatest cars in the world, which cost up to five billion won. (credits
to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

12. (-2) Lee Seung Ki (feat. Bizniz) – 결혼해줄래 (Will You Marry Me)Score: 396Genre: Pop BalladMusic: Kim Do Hoon, Lee Sang Ho / Lyrics: Kim Do Hoon, Hwang Sung JinAlbum: Lee Seung Ki digital single “Will You Marry Me” Track 1Watch:MVComment:
Lee Seung Ki is at No. 12 this week with his digital single “Will You
Marry Me”. This mellow ballad was composed by Kim Do Hoon, with lyrics
about wanting to live happily ever after with a loved one and even a
child. The MV of this song features footage of his drama “Brilliant
Legacy.”

13. (-6) Outsider – 외톨이 (Loner)Score: 386Genre: Hip-hopMusic: Big Boy, MC Sniper / Lyrics: OutsiderAlbum: Outsider Vol. 2 Track 5 Purchase this albumWatch:MVLive PerformanceComment:
This is the representative song for Outsider’s second album, “Maestro.”
A hip-hop track, it blends fast beats with a sentimental melody and is
about people struggling in a tough world. Rapid-fire rapping and a
delicate, sensual vibe create a unique style. (credits to Arirang TV -
Pops In Seoul)

14. (+7) Roo’ra – 고잉고잉 (Going Going)Score: 374Genre: Pop / DanceMusic: Yoo Gun Hyun / Lyrics: Lee Sang MinAlbum: Roo’ra Vol. 9 Track 1 Purchase this albumWatch:MVLive PerformanceComment:
Once upon a time in the mid to late 90′s, Roo’ra was the “it” thing,
always bringing fans cutting edge music at that time. They are
definitely one of the ‘old skool’ k-pop groups. For the first time in 8
years, Roo’ra is releasing a new album titled “A9ain”. The title track
“Going Going” made it into the top 20 this week at No. 14. “Going
Going” is a dance track about moving forward despite not knowing too
much about one’s life or love. The lyrics were penned by Roo’ra leader,
Lee Sang Min himself. Panic rapper, Kim Jin Pyo and underground rapper,
Big Tone helped with the rap making.

15. (-2) Clazziquai – Love AgainScore: 363Genre: ElectronicaAlbum: Clazziquai Vol. 4 Track 3 Purchase this albumWatch:MVLive PerformanceComment:
After two years hitaus with members Alex and Horan concentrated on
their solo and project group activities respectively, Clazziquai
finally comes back their fourth album Mucho Punk. Always at the
forefront of music, Clazziquai continue to expand their sound and
experiment with different musical genres and styles. This time, they’ve
combined New Wave and punk with their trademark house, pop, and
electronic. This album was produced by DJ Clazzi and was influenced
much by the movie, Nacho Libre. The songs are much more punkish, thus
how the album got its name. The title song “Love Again” is at No. 15
this week. With many big acts returning this summer, Clazziquai offers
us a different sound and will stand out between pop songs.

16. (+1) Drunken Tiger – MonsterScore: 357Genre: Hip-hopMusic: Ann1 / Lyrics: Tiger JKAlbum: Drunken Tiger Vol. 8 Track 2 Purchase this albumWatch:MVLive PerformanceComment:
One of Korean’s top hip-hop act is back! Tiger JK is back with Drunken
Tiger’s highly anticipated eighth album! Arriving two years after the
last Drunken Tiger release, “feel ghood muzik: the 8th wonder” comes
with double the music for Korean hip-hop fans. Not surprising that this
album immediately becomes a top seller upon release. Tiger JK drops a
whopping 27 new tracks on this two-disc release. Disc 1, titled “Feel
Good Side”, offers a more mainstream hip-hop sound while Disc 2, titled
“Feel Hood Side”, packs hardcore rhymes from the hip-hop guru. The
title song “Monster” is from the “Feel Good Side” CD and is again at
No. 16 this week.

17. (+17) Mighty Mouth (feat. Han Ye Sul) – 연애특강 (Crash Course In Love)*** BIGGEST MOVER OF THE WEEK ***Score: 288Genre: Hip-hopAlbum: Mighty Mouth mini-album “Crash Course In Love” Track 2 Purchase this albumWatch:MVLive PerformanceComment:
Mighty Mouth debuted in 2008 and brought us new patterns of hip hop
music through their hit songs like “I Love You”, “Energy” and “Family”
off their 1st full album. Their latest mini-album features the harmonic
principal song “Crash Course In Love” which is our biggest mover this
week. “Crash Course In Love” has a trendy and electro hip-hop beat that
blends well with Mighty Mouth’s rapping and sensual melody. The song
also features top star Han Ye Seul’s charming vocals, which doubles the
enjoyment.

18. (+4) IU – 있잖아 (You Know)Score: 280Genre: Pop / RockMusic: Kim Se Jin, Seo Jung Jin / Lyrics: Choi Gap Won, Seo Jung JinAlbum: IU Vol. 1 Track 8 Purchase this albumWatch:MVLive PerformanceComment:
This is the follow up song from IU’s first full length album “Growing
Up”. The title song “Boo” was a cutesy dance song which went to the top
10. This time “I Know” is a rock style up-tempo song. IU again displays
her amazing talent at such a young age. She has three hits now and all
with very different genres, which is rare for a new artist.

19. (+1) Supreme Team – 슈퍼매직 (Super Magic)Score: 265Genre: Hip-hopAlbum: Supreme Team 1st mini-album Track 2 Purchase this albumWatch:MVLive PerformanceComment:
New hip-hop duo Supreme Team is at No. 19 this week. Members Simon
Dominic and E-Sens are already well known underground rappers being
featured in many artists’ songs. No wonder their album has been on the
top 20 sales chart every day after its release. Despite their
underground background, their debut song “Super Magic” is quite
mainstream and should be a nice introduction to the general k-pop
listeners.

20. (-8) Wax – 결국 너야 (In The End, It’s You)Score: 257Genre: Pop / DanceMusic: Kim Do Hoon, PJ / Lyrics: Kim Do Hoon, Choi Gap WonAlbum: Wax Vol. 8 Track 3 Purchase this albumWatch:MVLive PerformanceComment:
This is the title song of Wax’s 8th album “Always You.” It is a dance
song that blends sensible ballad tunes with a strong house beat. The
music was written by the hitmaker Kim Do-hoon and producer PJ, while
Choi Kap-won wrote the lyrics. Its gorgeous melody harmonizes well with
Wax’s powerful voice. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

Blue: Songs to watch out under top 20Green: Editor’s recommendations under top 20

BONUS TRACK:Ran & Subin – 동화속의 사랑 (Fairytale Love)Genre: Pop BalladAlbum: Ran & Subin digital single “Fairytale Love” Track 1Watch:MV (thanks to Mardi09 for uploading)Comment:
This song is a collaboration between two talented female artists with
distinctive voices, Ran who have released songs such as How and former
member of Turtles, Subin have joined hands to release a single titled
Fairytale Love. The song is about a woman who has fallen in love and
wishes her love to be like a fairytale. One listen to the song, one
will fall in love with this cute love story. The two singers bring out
the melody of the song well. (credits to motoway065 for translations)

YESTERDAY ONCE MORE:Roo’ra – 3!4!Genre: Pop / DanceAlbum: Roo’ra Vol. 4 “All System Go” (1996) Track 2Watch:MVLive PerformanceComment:
Roo’ra debuted in 1994 and the name comes from Roots of Reggae. They
had a strong debut album selling nearly 300,000 copies and continued
their success over the years. They released their final album in 2001
but in 2008 the group reunited with Lee Sang Min, Go Young Wook, Kim Ji
Hyun, and Chae Ri Na to release “Going Going” this year. This hip-hop
dance group had a great influence on the revolution of Korean
entertainment industry. “3!4!” was a big hit in their 1996 album “All
System Go”. (credits to ~S2~)